Thanet Teen Advances In ‘Cutest Vegetarian’ PETA2 Us Contest

Thanet, Kent – What does 15-year-old Thanet resident Yazmeena Vassiliou have in common with record-breaking superstar Leona Lewis? Lewis is a front runner in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe’s Sexiest Vegetarian Alive contest, and Yazmeena is one of eight female finalists who have advanced to the second round in the spin-off Cutest Vegetarian Alive contest sponsored by peta2 US – PETA US’ youth division. Yazmeena beat more than 4,000 contestants from across the UK. The quarter-finalists will square off in a series of heats, going head-to-head, and supporters can cast their vote for the hometown favourite at peta2.com or by clicking here.

Unlike many parents who think they’re doing their child a favour by hiding the truth about where meat comes from, Yazmeena’s mother believes that it’s something children have a right to know. “My mum showed me an image from inside the slaughterhouse when I was 7 years old, and since then even the look of a greasy, fat burger makes me want to hurl and cry”, says Yazmeena. “Absolutely disgusted with the way animals all over are treated! And once I saw that, I researched into it more. I’m completely against animal testing, fur … anything to do with animals being treating in a bad nature.”

Photos and bios of all the finalists can be viewed at peta2.com. The female and male winners will each receive an iPod Touch and an exclusive Cutest Vegetarian Alive T-shirt.

“More and more people are going vegetarian every day, and young people are leading the charge”, says PETA Director Robbie LeBlanc. “It’s no wonder why: on average, vegetarians are slimmer, trimmer and generally healthier than meat-eaters are, so they’re bound to be a lot cuter too! And of course, nothing’s more attractive than a compassionate heart.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation—a charitable company limited by guarantee, with its registered office at 125 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5AS. Registered in England and Wales as charity number 1056453, company number 3135903.